Internet Weight Loss Support Groups

Whether you want to drop a few pounds after the holidays or you seek help with a much more complex weight-loss issue, you can find a weight-loss support group on the Internet. Online weight-loss support communities offer ways to connect with other like-minded individuals, as well as access to professional resources and advice.

ObesityHelp

Dedicated to helping people with morbid obesity and recommended by Jennifer Heisler in "Post Weight Loss Surgery," ObesityHelp has an active 600,000-member online community. Take advantage of support groups and events to help with your weight loss. Groups within the ObesityHelp community exist for everything from recipe-swapping and weight-loss surgery to health conditions and body image issues. With a free membership, you can share weight-loss goals, chat with other members in chat rooms and forums, as well as receive feedback and advice from medical professionals. ObesityHelp also offers tools and resources, such as nutrition trackers and weight-loss surgery reviews.

eDiets

Identified by Forbes.com as one of the best online websites for diet and nutrition, eDiets offers everything from personalized diet plans and shopping lists to meal delivery services and an online store for diet-related products. As a member of the eDiets online community, you can connect with fellow dieters through support boards, private groups and a mentor program. Community members can chat online with nutritionists and other health professionals. The site primarily focuses on recipes and meal plan services for a number of diet plans, such as the Glycemic Impact Diet and the New Mediterranean Diet. To participate in the eDiets online community, you have to sign up for a bundled membership plan.

WeightWatchers

The more than 50-year-old international weight loss organization WeightWatchers provides resources for its online community. You can create a profile as well as a member page, post to a community blog, participate in a group challenge, such as losing 5 lbs. before the holidays, and connect with other like-minded dieters. Community message boards allow you to ask for advice. You can find groups and message boards that focus on everything from developing fitness plans to losing weight while on the job, as a new parent or during military service. You have to pay for a subscription to the weight loss program, but you can join the online community for free.

SparkPeople

Focusing primarily on healthy lifestyle choices, SparkPeople provides a free online community for dieters as well as health-minded peopl. As a member of the online community, you can take advantage of meal plans, healthy recipes, expert advice and goal-tracking tools. Connect with other community members through your own profile page, community blogs and message boards. You can join SparkTeams as well, which focus on everything from health for expectant mothers to cooking with food allergies. Regional SparkTeams provide information for local events, such as walks or hikes. Motivational resources include a Success Gallery, Motivational SparkPages and weekly inspirational highlights.